Fresh Tips for Hormonal Balance & Energy Recovery- Let's Rethink That Glass of Wine

That sluggish, foggy feeling? That sense that your body is reacting differently to things it used to breeze through? No, it’s not in your head.

We all know hormones don’t play by the rules, but there is no sense in resisting them. Factor in modern life: stress, diet, the occasional tipple or overindulgence—and their effects on our symptoms can feel even more intense.

But it isn't all bad news. For those in, or approaching perimenopause, this is a great time to check in with what your body really needs. So, in this guide, we’ll explore how to keep your liver happy, reclaim energy, and tweak your routine so it works for you, not against you.

• Increased sensitivity to alcohol: As we age, our bodies hold less water (1). Translation? That cheeky glass of wine feels like a double shot now.
• It can make perimenopause symptoms worse: Hot flushes, night sweats, and sleepless nights love a good excuse to show up—alcohol gives them one (2).
• Impacts mental health: Feeling low or anxious (3)? That “relaxing” drink could be stirring the pot rather than calming it.
• Increases health risks: Regular drinking during perimenopause can elevate the risk (4) of heart disease, osteoporosis, and weight gain. 
• Amplifies alcohol's effects: Hormonal changes (5) during perimenopause can make you more sensitive to alcohol, intensifying its impact.

The liver (6) often takes centre stage when we think about recovery from a hectic night out. Whether it’s the occasional extra glass of wine, rich meals, or simply eating more than usual, your liver has likely been working overtime.

Why our liver needs a little love in perimenopause

What’s more, for women in perimenopause, the liver plays a dual role—not just processing toxins but also metabolising hormones like oestrogen. When the liver is overloaded, symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and mood swings can creep in.

But please forget the outdated ideas of extreme detoxes, juice cleanses, or super restrictive diets. It’s more about giving your liver the right support so it can do its job properly, not burning yourself out in the process.

Valerie’s top nutrition tips for post-indulgence liver support:

• Include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale in your meals to boost detoxification pathways.
• Stay hydrated to compensate for losses in water and electrolytes associated with drinking alcohol.
• Balance blood sugar. Pair carbohydrates with protein or healthy fats to avoid energy dips.
• Stay away from highly processed foods, giving your liver some breathing room.

Last but not least:

Use our Daily Essential Liposomal Shots to support blood sugar balance with chromium, promote liver health with curcuminoids, and much, much more—all packed into one handy bottle. Plus it's made with only natural flavours and extracts, so you won’t find any nasty additives here. Find out more on our results and ingredients pages.

Your gut and liver work together to eliminate toxins and support hormonal health, but everyday stress, alcohol, and rich foods can throw this balance off. When this happens, symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and sluggish digestion can creep in.

Simple ways to support gut-liver health:

• Add fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or kefir to rebuild gut flora.
• Focus on fibre-rich foods to feed good bacteria in the gut and promote detoxification through the liver and bowel.

The lingering exhaustion many feel isn’t just the result of a busy schedule. For women in perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations make it harder for the body to recover from disrupted sleep, blood sugar imbalances, or the effects of alcohol (7).

Add to that, cortisol (that's the body’s primary stress hormone) can stay elevated, leaving you feeling tired but wired.

Energy recovery starts with small steps:

• Prioritise consistent sleep: Create a calming bedtime routine to encourage quality rest.
• Gentle movement: Walking or restorative yoga can help reset cortisol levels and improve overall energy.

As we have discussed, alcohol’s effects tend to hit harder during perimenopause, amplifying everything from mood swings to hot flushes. Sad right? But here’s the good news: even cutting back a little can make a real difference.

Some of the benefits you might notice (7):

• Better sleep—no more waking up at 3 a.m. feeling wired.
• Less bloating and fewer digestive issues.
• More stable energy levels and fewer afternoon crashes.

Also, low percentage and non-alcoholic alternatives have come a long way, from kombucha to tasty botanical sodas and alcohol-free spirits, there is a new way to enjoy something in a fancy glass without the hormonal fallout.

The takeaways:

• Remember that recovery is about nourishment, not restriction. So, focus on supporting your liver, gut, and your energy.
• Reflecting on alcohol’s role can help you make choices that feel better for your body.
• Gentle, consistent self-care beats any drastic and draining “detox” plan.
• Every step, no matter how small, is a move toward feeling more balanced.

Ready to invest in a happy liver? Start with Valerie’s Daily Essential Shot, packed with nutrients for energy, hormone balance, and overall wellbeing during perimenopause.